IB Options Brief: Vale SA (VALE)

Posted June 12th, 2012 by Caitlin Duffy in Unusual Activity

Options Trade Extends Downside Protection On Vale

VALE ñ Vale SA
The Brazilian metals and mining companyís shares have sustained sharp losses since last summer, with the stock currently trading at a 45.0% discount to the July 26th 52-week high of $33.74. Shares in Vale are in positive territory today, up 1.3% at $18.59 as of 11:00 a.m. in New York; however, the largest prints in the iron ore producerís options today point to the potential for fresh two-year lows in the next few months.

It looks like one strategist is rolling a bearish position from the front month out to the September expiry, selling a 2,592-lot Jun. $20/$23 put spread at $2.97 per contract to buy the 2,592-lot Sept. $16/$18 spread at a net premium of $0.69 each. Open interest in the front month puts is sufficient to cover the size of the transaction, although it is difficult to determine when and at what price the spread might have originally been purchased.

The put spread could be a hedge to offset losses on a long position in the shares, or an outright bearish bet that shares in Vale have further to fall this year. The new Sept. $16/$18 spread yields profits ñ or downside protection ñ should shares in Vale decline 6.9% to trade below the breakeven price of $17.31 by expiration.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Note: The material presented in this commentary is provided forinformational purposes only and is based upon information that isconsidered to be reliable. However, neither Interactive Brokers LLC norits affiliates warrant its completeness, accuracy or adequacy and itshould not be relied upon as such. Neither IB nor its affiliates areresponsible for any errors or omissions or for results obtained from theuse of this information. Past performance is not necessarily indicativeof future results.

This material is not intended as an offer or solicitation for thepurchase or sale of any security or other financial instrument.Securities or other financial instruments mentioned in this material arenot suitable for all investors. Any opinions expressed herein are givenin good faith, are subject to change without notice, and are onlycorrect as of the stated date of their issue. The information containedherein does not constitute advice on the tax consequences of making anyparticular investment decision. This material does not take into accountyour particular investment objectives, financial situations or needsand is not intended as a recommendation to you of any particularsecurities, financial instruments or strategies. Before investing, youshould consider whether it is suitable for your particular circumstancesand, as necessary, seek professional advice.